An EasyJet flight traveling from Hurghada, Egypt to Manchester, England was forced to make an emergency landing in Athens, Greece after the pilot collapsed mid-flight on February 8. According to a spokesperson from EasyJet, the incident led the co-pilot to divert the aircraft for the safety of everyone on board.
The airline confirmed that the flight, designated EZY2252, was redirected to Athens due to the captain’s need for urgent medical assistance. On landing, the first officer executed a routine approach as trained, with paramedics waiting upon arrival to provide help.
Passengers faced delays as they had to spend the night in hotels, with EasyJet arranging accommodations and meals wherever possible. The airline expressed their apologies to the travelers for the unexpected disruption, while also thanking them for their understanding during this challenging situation.
One passenger shared their experience of the incident, recalling that concerns arose about two hours into the journey when cabin crew rushed to assist the captain. Initially, passengers thought a fellow traveler might be in distress when cabin crew called for anyone with medical training.
As the situation unfolded, a screen was put up to shield the front of the plane from view. Passengers felt anxious as they learned the captain required medical help after falling unwell. The landing itself was described as rough and distressing, with some travelers expressing panic, fearing for their safety. One passenger even reported seeing another becoming so anxious that they needed an oxygen mask.
Despite the tense circumstances, the crew, particularly the co-pilot, was praised for successfully landing the plane safely. After arriving, passengers had to wait for transportation; some chose to sleep on the airport floor while others opted to cover their journeys home out of their own pockets.
